Points of Interest:John and Lisa tried the Derwent Drawing Pencils for the first time and are coming to you in this episode with their results. You’ll hear about the lightfastness, color options, and sharpening considerations, along with recommendations for most effective use.

Points of Interest:John and Lisa receive plenty of questions from aspiring artists who have problems related to some of the drawing basics. In this episode, your hosts discuss some of the common problems they see and specific action steps to correct those issues.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Check out the copywriting and blogging services at Clarity & Flair:

Points of Interest:In this episode, John and Lisa discuss their experiences using Water-Soluable Graphite in colored pencil projects: techniques, supplies, and more! Be sure to check out the links section for many of the specific products mentioned. If you try water-soluble graphite, be sure to show us your work!

Points of Interest:John and Lisa are joined in this episode by Will Stoller of Unmask Art. Will discusses his circuitous path to colored pencil art, the reason he chose to use YouTube as his primary platform, and recommendations for setting (and reaching) your goals as an artist. Be sure to check out his channel using the links below!

Points of Interest:John and Lisa detail a long list of ways to speed up your colored pencil drawing, including recommended materials, techniques, and additional supplies that will save your precious time.

Points of Interest:John and Lisa have a full review planned for the new Derwent Procolour Pencil line, but today they discuss one of the biggest issues with these pencils: the low lightfast ratings of a large percentage of the colors. If you’re interested in ordering these pencils, listen to this episode to find out which colors you can use without hesitation and which ones you may want to think twice about.

Points of Interest:John and Lisa have received many questions from artists who are wondering about the right time to quit their day jobs. In this episode, you’ll hear candid stories from both hosts and sage advice about the big decision to make art a full-time career.

Points of Interest:Sometimes you’re just not in the mood to draw, but John and Lisa have a list of tips to help tackle your project! From knowing your ideal environment to looking for new sources of inspiration, you’ll be ready to get yourself in the mood to draw again after this episode.

Points of Interest:John & Lisa discuss their experiences using the new Winsor & Newton Pigment Markers. You’ll learn what to look for when purchasing the markers in-store; suggestions for blending, mixing, and pigment removal; and which papers to avoid when using the markers.

Points of Interest:John is joined in this episode by guest host Cecilia Kinzie, founder of the popular Facebook group Colored Pencils 4 Beginners and Beyond. They discuss a broad range of “lightbulb moments” in their artistic careers: tools, techniques, and tips that were total game-changers. Do YOU have a lightbulb moment? Share it in the comments!

Points of Interest:If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at colored pencil painting outdoors, this is the episode for you! John and Lisa describe their personal experiences drawing “en plein air” and share their insight. You’ll learn what supplies to take (including a few unexpected items), what challenges to consider, and why you should always carry a business card.

John's quick drawing after a 40 minute session. Step 2 will be to fill in more details and add more to the elements already there.

The following video was John's second experience drawing “en plein air” about a week later.

Links Referenced:

French Style Easel – This easel is sturdy, portable, and has plenty of space to store supplies while you work.

Polychromos Colored Pencils - They come in a 12 set, 24, 36, 60 or 120. For painting colored pencil en plein air John recommends at least a 24 set.

*-Many of the links mentioned above are my Amazon affiliate links. Always price check first. Sometimes Amazon is not the lowest price for the same product, but most often they are. By using my link I get a tiny commission (even if you decide not to buy the linked product). Thanks!

Points of Interest:John and Lisa both have experience teaching beginning art students. In this episode, they pass along their knowledge with suggestions for projects that are perfect for someone who is getting started in the colored pencil medium—and a few projects that probably won’t end well!

Points of Interest:Hannah Scott is a copywriter and blogger who works with creative business owners to put their best foot forward online. John and Lisa talk with Hannah about the value of web content for artists and the benefit of hiring a writer rather than doing it yourself.

Points of Interest:Many people think that photo realists are copying, and are therefore limiting their creativity. Is it possible to use photo references and be creative? John and Lisa believe so, and offer their tips for making it happen.

Points of Interest:John and Lisa discuss the Marco Raffine pencils: their lightfastness, material make-up, sharpening, and how they perform in fine art and other projects.

These pencils have “deceptively high reviews” on sites like Amazon, so how can you determine what feedback is reliable? Your hosts continue the discussion by giving you some guidelines for finding great reviews on various platforms.

It’s the 100th Episode! John and Lisa recorded and broadcasted live, and we’ve made the playback available for you today. Thank you for your support over the past 100 episodes—YOU are the reason for the show’s success, and we couldn’t be more grateful! Here’s to 100 more.

This week’s episode details the many types of people that artists have “on their side” as they endeavor to build a successful career: friends and family, fellow artists, technology experts, copywriters, and more! Listen in to hear how John and Lisa have built their unique teams.

Be sure to tune in all the way to the end for the new Colored Pencil Tips feature! Lisa shares her secret to maintaining a dark background when using powder blender.

Today’s episode features a Voicemail question from a listener who wants to know how to balance art and all of life’s responsibilities and distractions. John and Lisa talk tips, tactics, and strategies for developing the habits needed to improve art skills.